discreet residences for actors to use while filming at nearby Shepperton studios.

Its location has turned the historic home into a mecca for stars of silver screen, who flock to rent it for an estimated £30,000 a month.

Among the big names who have quietly rented the widow’s home are Pirates Of The Caribbean star Johnny Depp, 48, who lived there while filming in London.

Veteran actor Michael Douglas, 66, and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, 41 have also stayed at the house. Celebrity tenants appreciate the luxurious interior in an unassuming location just ten minutes from the film studios.

Now Brad and Angelina can mingle with Sandra Bullock at the local Marks & Spencer, after she coincidentally moved into a home that backs on to their garden.

Brad and Angelina have repeatedly been seen in the West End over the past few weeks. And Angelina, 36, was spotted popping into a toy shop in Richmond to buy her children presents, including water pistols and pretend money.

Awash with celebs: The riverside in Richmond is now home to the Jolie-Pitt family while Brad films his latest movie

Brad, 47, is in the capital filming his new zombie movie, World War Z. He is also producing the film, an adaption of Max Brooks’s novel.

Miss Congeniality star Sandra, 47, has jetted in from America to work on her latest film too.

Heart-throb George Clooney, 50, was living at another house nearby in Richmond last month while filming.

His stay coincided with that of Keanu Reeves, 46, who was over to work on his new Samurai drama, 47 Ronin.

Acting natural: Angelina with daughters Shiloh and Zahara at a Richmond toy shop last week

A source said: ‘It has been the best-kept secret for years for many of the Hollywood stars that if they stayed in relatively normal houses in the suburbia of Richmond, they could go around undetected.

‘Johnny Depp always tries to use the house Brad and Angelina are in at the moment because it just doesn’t stick out and is very private and discreet inside. Yet the house is steeped in history.’

The owner and her tycoon husband bought the popular property seven years ago for just under £4 million.

It is full of old ship timbers and boasts secret cupboards and panels throughout the house.

Despite its sense of history, the residence has been completely renovated. The Hollywood guests enjoy home-from-home touches including ultra-modern bathrooms, a gym and a sauna.

The house also has a large heated indoor swimming pool complete with its own changing rooms, and a large barn-style annexe which has two bedrooms and a kitchenette.

Neighbours: Johnny stayed at the same property as the Jolie-Pitts while filming in London and Oscar winner Sandra owns a house around the corner